Ferrous fumarate/ folic acid/ sodium docusate

Accidental overdose of products that contain iron is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children younger than 6 years old. Keep this product out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Ferrous fumarate/ folic acid/ sodium docusate is used for:

Treating anemia caused by low levels of iron or folate in the blood. It is also used in pregnancy for the prevention and treatment of low blood levels of iron and to supply folic acid to the body. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate is an iron and folic acid combination plus a stool softener. It works by providing folic acid and iron to the body. The stool softener is used to relieve constipation caused by iron.

Do NOT use ferrous fumarate/ folic acid/ sodium docusate if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate

you have certain iron metabolism problems (eg, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis) or high levels of iron in the body

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using ferrous fumarate/ folic acid/ sodium docusate:

Some medical conditions may interact with ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer, colitis, Crohn disease, diverticulitis)

if you have hemolytic anemia, pernicious anemia, or other types of anemia, or if you have a condition that may cause anemia (eg, sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency)

if you have blood problems (eg, porphyria, thalassemia) or you have had multiple blood transfusions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use ferrous fumarate/ folic acid/ sodium docusate:

Use ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate is absorbed better on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Some foods (eg, eggs, whole grain breads, cereal, dairy products, coffee, tea) may decrease the amount of iron absorbed by your body. Talk with your doctor about the best way to take ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate with food if it upsets your stomach.

If you take an antacid, a bisphosphonate (eg, alendronate), cefdinir, eltrombopag, methyldopa, penicillamine, a quinolone antibiotic (eg, ciprofloxacin), or a tetracycline antibiotic (eg, minocycline), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate.

Take ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate with a full glass of water (8 oz [240 mL]). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate.

If you miss a dose of ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate.

Important safety information:

Do not take large doses of vitamins (megadoses or megavitamin therapy) while you use ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate unless your doctor tells you to.

Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate has folic acid, iron, and a stool softener in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has folic acid, iron, a laxative, or a stool softener in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate may cause darkened or green stools. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Some of these products contain tartrazine dye (FD&C Yellow No. 5). This may cause an allergic reaction in some patients. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to tartrazine, ask your pharmacist if your product has tartrazine in it.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate may interfere with certain lab tests, including tests used to check for blood in the stool. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate.

Lab tests, including hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and blood iron levels, may be performed while you use ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate is intended for use during pregnancy. Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Store ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using ferrous fumarate/folic acid/sodium docusate.